what 'don't' you like about the area? (Knoxville, Chattanooga: school, allergies)

[jabogitlu]

Yeah, the city gov't does seem to like it studies, doesn't it? Too bad...

[SarahSal]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Yeah, the city gov't does seem to like it studies, doesn't it? Too bad...

We've seen at least a dozen major and minor surveys/studies on downtown JC alone..

Unfortunately, IMHO, with each *new* group of elected officials or appointed board members previous studies gather dust on some city hall shelf or are 'swept under the rug' - and a *new* study is proposed. I've always wondered if it is a case of 'bureaucratic inertia' or lack of an appetite to do something really, really progressive..

[sethmctenn]

I love it here but the things I don't like include:
the area is not very accepting of people who are not Christian
there is little ethnic diversity although the Indian community seems to be growing
the only gay space in the area is a really trashy bar
it's hard to find a doctor here who knows anything at all about nutrition, prevention, etc...
the hospital in JC has the highest rate of getting infection from the hospital than other hospitals around here (although it's still lower than lots of places)
race traffic (although I know it's great for the economy and only happens occassionally)
the traffic planning in general (who designed the intersection at State of Franklin?)
no big venues for bands
there is a lot of prescription medication abuse here...high rates of narcotic prescriptions
Tenncare
Industrial smell in Kingsport


things I like
it's incredibly beautiful
people are kinder than some other places I've lived
there are several really good locally owned restaurants and tons of chains
it's so close to go to Asheville or Knoxville for a quick daytrip...there are lots of great daytrips from here
I was able to find a beautiful home on 7 acres. I'd never be able to find or afford that other places.
good parks
pretty good sidewalks
decent local theater (JCCT, Jonesborough Rep, Bristol, etc...)
free music in Kingsport Thursdays and Fridays much of the year
lots of local music in general: Acoustic coffeehouse, Down Home, etc...
there doesn't seem to be a big drug problem if you don't include prescriptions

[jabogitlu]

Which State of Franklin? If you're talking about Franklin/Market, yeah, that one could use upgrading. If you're talking about Franklin/I-26, I think that one's pretty brilliant.

I also lament the fact that the only gay bar in, AFAIK, the entire metro is a joint that I'd never go into. Yuck. (Of course, I'm not a big bar person in general and even less of a gay bar person, so maybe I'm biased.)

As far as acceptance, I've never had any real problems from being an atheist. (Or for that matter, from being gay.) Of course, I'm sure some people are prejudiced and talk behind your back, but that actually will happen anywhere in the nation.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Now that I've been wondering around Tennessee I can say something.lol

Bristol, To me it's great that it's in two different states. I just don't like how some areas are "rough." for example over by the Post Office in Bristol it seems rough, buildings don't seem well cared for. Over by 421 leaving town towards Shady Valley seems a but rough as well. The junkyard on 421 outside of Bristol is open, I mean you can visibly see all the junk cars. There's just something rough about some areas of town.

Kingsport, Seems more industrialized with the Ammo Plant and Eastman in the area. Seems a bit more clean than Bristol though. I like the recreational opportunities that exist here.

Johnson City, I have yet to step foot in JC.


I do however like Abingdon,VA.

You may like Johnson City, its impoving and theres still alot of new construction. When I looked at houses, I liked some of Kingsport, but for single life, IMO JC has more, and of course Asheville.

I dont like Bristol at all. Theres just something about it, and part of it is just plastic chains, the older area is undeveloped, I have seen some houses there, its just too rural and boring.

[bluemoon41]

No culture here. The downtown looks like a war zone. Nothing but chain reataurants. No jobs. School system is terrible. I'm out of here!

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by bluemoon41

No culture here. The downtown looks like a war zone. Nothing but chain reataurants. No jobs. School system is terrible. I'm out of here!

To each there own. Nowhere is right for everyone and everyone has their own opinion. I hope you find just the right place for you and you are happy there.

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by donsabi

The main thing I find wrong with Kingsport is the lack of doctors who will accept new Medicare patients. If you are a Medicare member make sure you can get a doctor before coming here.

Cigarette smoking seems to everywhere. No matter where I go in public the air is full of cigarette smoke.

Chemical odors, sometimes so bad they could gag a mule.

Lack of shopping. I find myself shopping in Johnson City because I cannot find the product I want in Kingsport. Grocery stores are Krogers, Food City, and White's all with limited stock.
Two of the worst Walmarts I have seen anywhere. No fresh fish and other seafood in the area.

Kingsport has invested heavily in traffic cameras, otherwise known as 24/7 revenue generators rather than invest on improving traffic flow.

I agree with the other post that mentions liter. Trash cans all over the parks and trash laying on the ground next to the trash can.

Last, but certainly not least, 9.5% sales tax.

Don

Care to explain the chemical odors? IS it prevalent in J city too? I keep hearing it - I smelled something vile in Asheville - why can't they address this?
Quality of life issue - I would think an educated demographic would not tolerate this if it was also a health issue...state should fine any air polluters - we need the money, the biz needs the low cost of operation here - they need the state more than the state needs them. I say fine them bigtime.

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by sethmctenn

I love it here but the things I don't like include:
the area is not very accepting of people who are not Christian
there is little ethnic diversity although the Indian community seems to be growing
the only gay space in the area is a really trashy bar
it's hard to find a doctor here who knows anything at all about nutrition, prevention, etc...
the hospital in JC has the highest rate of getting infection from the hospital than other hospitals around here (although it's still lower than lots of places)
race traffic (although I know it's great for the economy and only happens occassionally)
the traffic planning in general (who designed the intersection at State of Franklin?)
no big venues for bands
there is a lot of prescription medication abuse here...high rates of narcotic prescriptions
Tenncare
Industrial smell in Kingsport


things I like
it's incredibly beautiful
people are kinder than some other places I've lived
there are several really good locally owned restaurants and tons of chains
it's so close to go to Asheville or Knoxville for a quick daytrip...there are lots of great daytrips from here
I was able to find a beautiful home on 7 acres. I'd never be able to find or afford that other places.
good parks
pretty good sidewalks
decent local theater (JCCT, Jonesborough Rep, Bristol, etc...)
free music in Kingsport Thursdays and Fridays much of the year
lots of local music in general: Acoustic coffeehouse, Down Home, etc...
there doesn't seem to be a big drug problem if you don't include prescriptions

where did you find your 7 acres and house if I may ask?

If you could pick any city to live in, where would that be?

Which place has the highest demographic and quality of life?

Where do you think the best place to live will be in ten years?

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by bluemoon41

No culture here. The downtown looks like a war zone. Nothing but chain reataurants. No jobs. School system is terrible. I'm out of here!

What city are you referring to? It sounds awful, and where pray tell are you moving to? Heard anything good about Chattanooga? Knoxville? Asheville area? You sound like you'e on a quest...good luck